The hierarchy of USTA junior tennis tournaments is set up to accommodate all levels of athletes. Beginning with regional ZAT tournaments and extending up to international invitational tournaments like the Orange Bowl, the USTA setup integrates those with recreational goals while offering a strict pecking order for players with loftier ambitions. The National Open tournaments are level two national events, the second highest junior events in the United States. This past weekend many of ATA’s junior athletes disbursed across the country to compete in various National Opens, and showcase their hard work against peers with similar intentions in tennis.
Traveling to Irvine, California, Jeff Offerdahl and Chase Curry entered the boys’ 16s singles and teamed up for the boys’ 16s doubles. Curry started strong, earning a tough three set victory first round 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, over M. Alves from CA. Next he faced H. Porutiu, also from CA., taking the match 6-1, 6-1. In the third round Curry faced the nine seed, C. Kipouras, winning 6-2, 6-1 to earn a spot in the final eight. Offerdahl opened the tournament with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over N. Hu from CA. Second round he fell in a tough three-set match, 0-6, 6-4, 6-3 to S. Eswaran from CA.
Mobile, Al. served as host to ATA’s 14s. Brittany Brewster won her opening round match 6-0, 6-2. She then rebounded from a second round loss to win two matches in the back draw while only dropping a collective two games. After dropping her opening round to the nine seed, Sydney Young fell in an epic consolation match, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3, to C. Fruge from Louisiana.
Claire Cahill traveled to Ann Arbor, MI. to compete against the top 16s girls in the country. In her opening match she battled G. Spindler from MI. in a tough three-set match. Spindler took the first set 6-3, but Cahill bounced back to earn the second set 7-5. Spindler ultimately came out on top, taking the decisive set 6-2. Next Cahill faced I. Ng, also from MI. Cahill came out strong, claiming the opening set 6-4. Ng responded however, winning the next two sets 6-2, 6-3.
While the National Open tournaments offer far tougher competition, the experience earned by competing on a national level is immeasurable. The ATA junior athletes who chose to compete in these events have ambitions that reach beyond the borders of the state. By showcasing their skills against the nations best in their age division, they now know exactly what it will take to succeed at this level.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Juniors go to work in Waco
While the 16s and 18s dabbled in Dallas this past weekend, the 12s and 14s went to work at the Waco Regional Tennis Center Super Championship Major Zone. Coaches Moros, Martinez, and Boyce traveled with the team to Waco.
In the boys’ 12s A draw, Dylan Ritter defeated Connor Lafavre 7-5, 6-2 to advance to the round of 32. After dropping his first match, Zane Ritter bounced back to beat M. Tyer 6-2, 6-3 and advance to the consolation quarter finals. Ben Smith battled to beat Matt Tyer in a tough three set match, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Jake Berber took down Eshan Dave 6-3, 6-1 to also earn a spot in the round of 32. Connor O’Meara fell to Collin Hecht after earning the first set, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.
Payton Holden rallied after a first round loss in the boys’ 12s B draw, to earn three wins and claim the consolation crown. He defeated A. Joseph in the consolation finals 6-1, 6-2. Matthew Milliken beat Eduardo Marquez 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the quarter finals.
After falling to the number one seed in the girls’ 12s draw, Allie Burak responded by earning two wins and a spot in the consolation semi finals. In the quarter finals she beat K. Buck 6-2, 6-2. Maggie O’Meara, the number two seed, faced a tough test in her first match against Lauren Reid. O’Meara outlasted her opponent, earning the victory 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. She then defeated T. Donaho 6-3, 6-3 to claim her spot in the final eight.
In the girls’ 14s A draw, Nicole Karaklis defeated A. Karpen 6-1, 6-2 to reach the round of 32. Courtney Schulte outlasted M. Ocon in a tough three set match, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to also advance to the round of 32. Sydney Young played two tough matches on the weekend, earning valuable experience.
The experience earned in tournament play at this young age outweighs any result in the scope of their tennis careers. The dedication and sacrifices these junior athletes are demonstrating will pay off tremendously down the road. Learning the value of commitment and sacrifice while in 12s and 14s will prove to be something they carry with them far longer than the memory of the matches won or lost.
In the boys’ 12s A draw, Dylan Ritter defeated Connor Lafavre 7-5, 6-2 to advance to the round of 32. After dropping his first match, Zane Ritter bounced back to beat M. Tyer 6-2, 6-3 and advance to the consolation quarter finals. Ben Smith battled to beat Matt Tyer in a tough three set match, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. Jake Berber took down Eshan Dave 6-3, 6-1 to also earn a spot in the round of 32. Connor O’Meara fell to Collin Hecht after earning the first set, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.
Payton Holden rallied after a first round loss in the boys’ 12s B draw, to earn three wins and claim the consolation crown. He defeated A. Joseph in the consolation finals 6-1, 6-2. Matthew Milliken beat Eduardo Marquez 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the quarter finals.
After falling to the number one seed in the girls’ 12s draw, Allie Burak responded by earning two wins and a spot in the consolation semi finals. In the quarter finals she beat K. Buck 6-2, 6-2. Maggie O’Meara, the number two seed, faced a tough test in her first match against Lauren Reid. O’Meara outlasted her opponent, earning the victory 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. She then defeated T. Donaho 6-3, 6-3 to claim her spot in the final eight.
In the girls’ 14s A draw, Nicole Karaklis defeated A. Karpen 6-1, 6-2 to reach the round of 32. Courtney Schulte outlasted M. Ocon in a tough three set match, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to also advance to the round of 32. Sydney Young played two tough matches on the weekend, earning valuable experience.
The experience earned in tournament play at this young age outweighs any result in the scope of their tennis careers. The dedication and sacrifices these junior athletes are demonstrating will pay off tremendously down the road. Learning the value of commitment and sacrifice while in 12s and 14s will prove to be something they carry with them far longer than the memory of the matches won or lost.
Juniors compete at the Cotton Bowl
ATA’s super championship qualified 16s and 18s players traveled to Dallas this past weekend to compete in the Cotton Bowl Super Championship Major Zone. Coaches, Strecker, Houston, Schoenmakers, and Davis traveled with the team to Dallas.
Blake Davis earned five straight wins on his way to winning the Cotton Bowl crown. Davis defeated four seeded players in a row to take the title, including the nine seed R. Bader, and the three seed T. Brown, both in three set matches. In the semi finals Davis faced the number one seed Chris Camillone, who he took down for his third three set win in a row, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(9). In the finals he faced Ben Guthrie, the two seed, who he defeated 6-3, 6-2. Alex Durham defeated the nine seed David Salazar 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 for his second win and a spot in the round of 16. Chase Curry, also a nine seed, defeated A. Chu 7-5, 6-1 to reach the round of 16 where he fell to the number three seed. After dropping his opening match, Jonathan Stockdale faced S. Katrein in the third round of consolation. Katrein, the eventual finalist, took the match in two tight sets.
In the boys 18s B draw, Donny Hackett faced Joey Good in his first match. Hackett took the first set 6-3, before Good grabbed the next two, 7-5, 6-1.
In the boys 16s A draw, Josh Hagar defeated Josh Fischer 6-2, 6-3 in his opening round match. Next he faced teammate Taylor Shamshiri, who defeated A. Frias 6-2, 6-1 in his first round. After dropping a tough first set 6-7(5), Hagar rebounded to take the second 6-1, when Shamshiri was forced to retire due to an injury. Matthew Sparks battled George Rivers in his first round match, taking it in a tough three sets, 2-6, 7-5, 6-4. Aaron Chaffee faced the three seed first round, going down 6-4, 6-2.
In the girls 16s A draw, Claire Cahill fought back from a first round loss to earn four straight wins and a spot in the consolation finals. In the consolation quarter finals, she faced the nine seed M. Magday, taking the match 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. Next she matched up with M. Pieratt, the five seed, who she took down 6-1, 6-1 for a spot in the finals. Brooke Hughes faced M. Pieratt also in the main draws opening round, taking the match 6-3, 6-2. She then defeated J. Manlapaz 6-2, 6-1 for a place in the final eight.
Conor O’Rourke bounced back from a first round loss in the boys 16s B draw to earn five straight wins and claim the consolation crown. He faced E. Tyler in the final round, taking the title 6-3, 6-2. Rob Steinwedell faced Wayne Chang in his first match. They competed for three close sets, with Chang eventually taking the match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. In his next match, Steinwedell found himself amid another dogfight against Charles Martin who eventually won, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5. Elliot Blatt faced the three seed V. Hansberger first round, going down 7-5, 6-2.
Raymond Traweek rebounded from a tough first round loss to take down the number four seed K. Funk. Traweek took the match 6-2, 5-7, 6-0.
The Cotton Bowl Super Championship Major Zone is not only a top tier Texas tournament, but adds the element of withstanding the winter whether. To succeed in Dallas requires a resiliency that these junior athletes have developed in their time training at ATA.
Blake Davis earned five straight wins on his way to winning the Cotton Bowl crown. Davis defeated four seeded players in a row to take the title, including the nine seed R. Bader, and the three seed T. Brown, both in three set matches. In the semi finals Davis faced the number one seed Chris Camillone, who he took down for his third three set win in a row, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(9). In the finals he faced Ben Guthrie, the two seed, who he defeated 6-3, 6-2. Alex Durham defeated the nine seed David Salazar 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 for his second win and a spot in the round of 16. Chase Curry, also a nine seed, defeated A. Chu 7-5, 6-1 to reach the round of 16 where he fell to the number three seed. After dropping his opening match, Jonathan Stockdale faced S. Katrein in the third round of consolation. Katrein, the eventual finalist, took the match in two tight sets.
In the boys 18s B draw, Donny Hackett faced Joey Good in his first match. Hackett took the first set 6-3, before Good grabbed the next two, 7-5, 6-1.
In the boys 16s A draw, Josh Hagar defeated Josh Fischer 6-2, 6-3 in his opening round match. Next he faced teammate Taylor Shamshiri, who defeated A. Frias 6-2, 6-1 in his first round. After dropping a tough first set 6-7(5), Hagar rebounded to take the second 6-1, when Shamshiri was forced to retire due to an injury. Matthew Sparks battled George Rivers in his first round match, taking it in a tough three sets, 2-6, 7-5, 6-4. Aaron Chaffee faced the three seed first round, going down 6-4, 6-2.
In the girls 16s A draw, Claire Cahill fought back from a first round loss to earn four straight wins and a spot in the consolation finals. In the consolation quarter finals, she faced the nine seed M. Magday, taking the match 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. Next she matched up with M. Pieratt, the five seed, who she took down 6-1, 6-1 for a spot in the finals. Brooke Hughes faced M. Pieratt also in the main draws opening round, taking the match 6-3, 6-2. She then defeated J. Manlapaz 6-2, 6-1 for a place in the final eight.
Conor O’Rourke bounced back from a first round loss in the boys 16s B draw to earn five straight wins and claim the consolation crown. He faced E. Tyler in the final round, taking the title 6-3, 6-2. Rob Steinwedell faced Wayne Chang in his first match. They competed for three close sets, with Chang eventually taking the match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. In his next match, Steinwedell found himself amid another dogfight against Charles Martin who eventually won, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5. Elliot Blatt faced the three seed V. Hansberger first round, going down 7-5, 6-2.
Raymond Traweek rebounded from a tough first round loss to take down the number four seed K. Funk. Traweek took the match 6-2, 5-7, 6-0.
The Cotton Bowl Super Championship Major Zone is not only a top tier Texas tournament, but adds the element of withstanding the winter whether. To succeed in Dallas requires a resiliency that these junior athletes have developed in their time training at ATA.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Official Signing Day
Nov. 16 was the official signing day for high school seniors.
Each athlete signs a letter of intent committing them to a specific school. Many St. Edward's University athletics programs welcomed strong players ready to succeed for the upcoming 2009-2010 season.
After signing four freshmen over the summer, the women's tennis team signed another potential impact player for the 2009-2010 season. Paige Rachel, from Cinco Ranch High School in Houston, brings an impressive tennis resume to the Lady Hilltoppers tennis team. Rachel was a three-year letter winner in high school, and became the first player in school history to win a medal at the state tournament with a third place finish in her junior season.
Signing up to play for the Hilltoppers women's golf team are Jacy Benites and Ali Walden. Benites, who went to Bowie High School in Austin, was named first-team all-district and was the district's individual champion her sophomore and junior seasons.
Walden, from Monroe County High School in Kentucky, was a three-year letter winner and tournament champion at the Buick Tournament and the Mountain Dew Tournament.
The baseball team announced the signing of two new players for the 2010 season. Bradley Nasis, out of Smithson Valley High School, and Weslee Schmitz, out of Bowie High School, both signed National Letters of Intent to join the Hilltoppers. Nasis, a pitcher/outfielder, helped lead his high school team to the state playoffs his junior season as well as throwing a no-hitter. Schmitz, also a pitcher, was a three-year letter winner and helped his team to the state playoffs in his junior season.
The women's basketball team signed three recruits to the team on Nov. 16 as well. The team signed two guards and a forward, all from Texas high schools. All three of their recruits are in their fourth year of varsity basketball.
Kelsee Barr, a guard from Lake Dallas High school, has lead her team to the district playoffs twice, each time making it to the third round. The other guard recruit is Sarah Milewski. She has been named to the all-district team three years in a row and was newcomer of the year during her freshman season. Lastly, Monica James is a forward from Melissa High School who has helped her team reach district playoffs the past two seasons.
All of these players will have a shot to build on the recent successes of the Lady Hilltoppers.
Other teams have also signed recruits before the signing day. Teams like women’s soccer have had recruits lined up since the summer.
Each athlete signs a letter of intent committing them to a specific school. Many St. Edward's University athletics programs welcomed strong players ready to succeed for the upcoming 2009-2010 season.
After signing four freshmen over the summer, the women's tennis team signed another potential impact player for the 2009-2010 season. Paige Rachel, from Cinco Ranch High School in Houston, brings an impressive tennis resume to the Lady Hilltoppers tennis team. Rachel was a three-year letter winner in high school, and became the first player in school history to win a medal at the state tournament with a third place finish in her junior season.
Signing up to play for the Hilltoppers women's golf team are Jacy Benites and Ali Walden. Benites, who went to Bowie High School in Austin, was named first-team all-district and was the district's individual champion her sophomore and junior seasons.
Walden, from Monroe County High School in Kentucky, was a three-year letter winner and tournament champion at the Buick Tournament and the Mountain Dew Tournament.
The baseball team announced the signing of two new players for the 2010 season. Bradley Nasis, out of Smithson Valley High School, and Weslee Schmitz, out of Bowie High School, both signed National Letters of Intent to join the Hilltoppers. Nasis, a pitcher/outfielder, helped lead his high school team to the state playoffs his junior season as well as throwing a no-hitter. Schmitz, also a pitcher, was a three-year letter winner and helped his team to the state playoffs in his junior season.
The women's basketball team signed three recruits to the team on Nov. 16 as well. The team signed two guards and a forward, all from Texas high schools. All three of their recruits are in their fourth year of varsity basketball.
Kelsee Barr, a guard from Lake Dallas High school, has lead her team to the district playoffs twice, each time making it to the third round. The other guard recruit is Sarah Milewski. She has been named to the all-district team three years in a row and was newcomer of the year during her freshman season. Lastly, Monica James is a forward from Melissa High School who has helped her team reach district playoffs the past two seasons.
All of these players will have a shot to build on the recent successes of the Lady Hilltoppers.
Other teams have also signed recruits before the signing day. Teams like women’s soccer have had recruits lined up since the summer.
Men's Soccer Misses Post Season Shot
The St. Edward’s University men’s soccer team came off the field Nov. 9 with tears in their eyes as they wrapped up their 2008 regular season with two devastating ties, crushing their chance to make it to the NCAA Tournament.
The Hilltoppers needed to finish ranked in the top two in the region to qualify for post-season play, but after the two ties, they slipped out of the top two and missed the cut.
This was a surprise to many as the team had a successful regular season, racking up a record of 7-1-2 in the Heartland Conference and a 13-4-2 record overall.
“It was just disappointing,” freshmen international player Don Morrison said.
The team played short two players against St. Mary’s University after junior Ezual Lewis got his second yellow card for dissent in the 32nd minute and junior Kevin Brolan received the team’s second red card in the 76th minute. The game was packed with penalties as St. Mary’s received 39 out of a total of 54 penalties in the game.
“This was the first time I’d ever coached with only nine players,” head coach Brian Young said.
In their previous meeting St. Edward’s dismantled St. Mary’s, beating them 5-1. On Nov. 7, the team tied St. Mary’s 1-1.
Young said it would have been helpful to beat teams earlier in the season, but the chances at the post season came down to the game against TAMU-International.
After Brandin Parras scored a goal in the 22nd minute, the game looked like it would go in favor of St. Edward’s. However, in the last three minutes, the Dust Devils tallied a goal that tied the game 1-1.
“We should have beat them,” senior Jesse Leos said. “But I feel the team played well.”
As a nationally ranked team for most of the season, reaching as high as 12th, it was both surprising and disappointing to players and fans to not make the regional tournament.
In the wake of the two ties, one player has officially quit the team and another is questioning his role.
“[Coach Brian Young] really is confused about what he wants to do,” sophomore forward Robert Georgiefski said. “We had a clear path to nationals.”
Georgiefski has questioned the coach’s in-game tactics, in particular why Georgiefski, a recent two-time Heartland Conference offensive player of the week, played zero minutes in this crucial game while others logged the entire 110 minutes.
“It was a strategic coaching decision,” Young said, when referring to Georgiefski’s playing time. It was also senior day, and Young wanted to honor seniors by having them in the starting lineup.
The season’s end has caused another player to question his status and part ways with the team.
“Things haven’t worked out quite the way I wanted,” Morrison said. “I have enjoyed my time here, it’s just not quite the situation I had wanted.”
Coach Young said Morrison is leaving on good terms, but there was an issue with playing time that could not be resolved.
The Nov. 9 game was a tribute to the senior players, and plaques were given out before the game. The departing seniors are Dustin Cherry, Patrick Miller, Jesse Leos, Mike Vecchiola and Kevin Brolan.
The Hilltoppers needed to finish ranked in the top two in the region to qualify for post-season play, but after the two ties, they slipped out of the top two and missed the cut.
This was a surprise to many as the team had a successful regular season, racking up a record of 7-1-2 in the Heartland Conference and a 13-4-2 record overall.
“It was just disappointing,” freshmen international player Don Morrison said.
The team played short two players against St. Mary’s University after junior Ezual Lewis got his second yellow card for dissent in the 32nd minute and junior Kevin Brolan received the team’s second red card in the 76th minute. The game was packed with penalties as St. Mary’s received 39 out of a total of 54 penalties in the game.
“This was the first time I’d ever coached with only nine players,” head coach Brian Young said.
In their previous meeting St. Edward’s dismantled St. Mary’s, beating them 5-1. On Nov. 7, the team tied St. Mary’s 1-1.
Young said it would have been helpful to beat teams earlier in the season, but the chances at the post season came down to the game against TAMU-International.
After Brandin Parras scored a goal in the 22nd minute, the game looked like it would go in favor of St. Edward’s. However, in the last three minutes, the Dust Devils tallied a goal that tied the game 1-1.
“We should have beat them,” senior Jesse Leos said. “But I feel the team played well.”
As a nationally ranked team for most of the season, reaching as high as 12th, it was both surprising and disappointing to players and fans to not make the regional tournament.
In the wake of the two ties, one player has officially quit the team and another is questioning his role.
“[Coach Brian Young] really is confused about what he wants to do,” sophomore forward Robert Georgiefski said. “We had a clear path to nationals.”
Georgiefski has questioned the coach’s in-game tactics, in particular why Georgiefski, a recent two-time Heartland Conference offensive player of the week, played zero minutes in this crucial game while others logged the entire 110 minutes.
“It was a strategic coaching decision,” Young said, when referring to Georgiefski’s playing time. It was also senior day, and Young wanted to honor seniors by having them in the starting lineup.
The season’s end has caused another player to question his status and part ways with the team.
“Things haven’t worked out quite the way I wanted,” Morrison said. “I have enjoyed my time here, it’s just not quite the situation I had wanted.”
Coach Young said Morrison is leaving on good terms, but there was an issue with playing time that could not be resolved.
The Nov. 9 game was a tribute to the senior players, and plaques were given out before the game. The departing seniors are Dustin Cherry, Patrick Miller, Jesse Leos, Mike Vecchiola and Kevin Brolan.
Tennis Team Battles at Blue/Gold
With the fall off-season well underway, and the Regional Intercollegiate Tennis Association Championships quickly approaching, the St. Edward’s Men’s and Women’s Tennis coach’s decided to create some competition for their players to better prepare. Head Coach Russell Sterns and Assistant Coach Simon Boyce each drafted teams of both men and women players, putting one squad against the other, in what became a flashback to Texas high school team tennis.
The Blue/Gold Challenge between the Gold team, coached by Sterns, and the Blue team, coached by Boyce, was a two-day competition of singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches. The teams consisted of four men and five women, each competing in two singles matches, two doubles matches, and one mixed doubles match with two girls playing only singles.
Day one on Friday presented one singles and one doubles for each player, finishing with the Gold team leading in overall matches 7-6. The Blue team got victories from freshman Luis Rivora and freshman Heather Brien, while seniors Elizabeth Jacobi and Nick Arnold each won their singles match for the Gold team.
“Luis showed that he will be a potential impact player at this level, Boyce said.
Juniors Brett Powers and Justin Raiti teamed up to earn a win for the Gold team, while the Blue team got a win from freshmen Mary Bain and Audrey Tompkins.
On the final day of the Blue/Gold Challenge the intensity rose as the outcome came down to the final matches. The match was set up with mixed doubles at the end so if it was close, it would be decided on the racquets of both men and women.
When singles and doubles were finished, the overall score was 13-13, with only four mixed doubles matches left to decide it. Junior Bernie Lancaster and Tompkins pulled out a close 9-8 victory for the Blue team, the only mixed match their team would win. The Gold team took three of the four mixed matches to claim the Blue/Gold Challenge championship 16-14.
“Both coach Sterns and I are very excited about the year ahead,” Boyce said.
While the expectations were high going in to this weekend, the men’s team came home with mixed results. Raiti earned two wins on his way to the quarterfinals where he fell to the number one seed. Raiti then teamed up with Powers to reach the quarterfinals of the doubles draw, before falling to ACU’s team of Nunez and Hudson. “The team has a lot of work to do before the spring season,” Boyce said.
The girl’s team will travel to Abilene Oct 3-5 to compete in the Regional ITA.
The Blue/Gold Challenge between the Gold team, coached by Sterns, and the Blue team, coached by Boyce, was a two-day competition of singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches. The teams consisted of four men and five women, each competing in two singles matches, two doubles matches, and one mixed doubles match with two girls playing only singles.
Day one on Friday presented one singles and one doubles for each player, finishing with the Gold team leading in overall matches 7-6. The Blue team got victories from freshman Luis Rivora and freshman Heather Brien, while seniors Elizabeth Jacobi and Nick Arnold each won their singles match for the Gold team.
“Luis showed that he will be a potential impact player at this level, Boyce said.
Juniors Brett Powers and Justin Raiti teamed up to earn a win for the Gold team, while the Blue team got a win from freshmen Mary Bain and Audrey Tompkins.
On the final day of the Blue/Gold Challenge the intensity rose as the outcome came down to the final matches. The match was set up with mixed doubles at the end so if it was close, it would be decided on the racquets of both men and women.
When singles and doubles were finished, the overall score was 13-13, with only four mixed doubles matches left to decide it. Junior Bernie Lancaster and Tompkins pulled out a close 9-8 victory for the Blue team, the only mixed match their team would win. The Gold team took three of the four mixed matches to claim the Blue/Gold Challenge championship 16-14.
“Both coach Sterns and I are very excited about the year ahead,” Boyce said.
While the expectations were high going in to this weekend, the men’s team came home with mixed results. Raiti earned two wins on his way to the quarterfinals where he fell to the number one seed. Raiti then teamed up with Powers to reach the quarterfinals of the doubles draw, before falling to ACU’s team of Nunez and Hudson. “The team has a lot of work to do before the spring season,” Boyce said.
The girl’s team will travel to Abilene Oct 3-5 to compete in the Regional ITA.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Champ level players travel to Plano
Plano, Texas played host to the championship qualified players of all ages from all over the state this past weekend. Led by coaches Brookes, Boyce, and Schoenmakers, the ATA team traveled north to the Plano Fall Championship Major Zone, poised for a positive weekend.
Raymond Traweek ran through his boys’ 16s Red draw, taking the title without surrendering a set. In the finals Traweek faced Christian Kim, where he found his fifth win, 6-1, 6-4. After a first round loss, Garrett Callen bounced back to beat Byron Koonce, the number eight seed, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 and earn a spot in the consolation quarterfinals.
In the boys’ 16s Blue draw, Ryan Burak, the number eight seed, beat Austin Megli 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the round of 16 where he fell to the eventual champion in two tight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
After falling in the first round, Breck Spencer fought to win four matches and claim the consolation championship of his boys’ 14s White draw. In the finals he faced T. Liu, taking the title by a score of 6-0, 6-1.
In the boys’ 14s Blue draw, Greyson Brilliant beat C. Galvin 7-5, 6-0 to earn a spot in the semifinals. Neel Kumar outlasted C. Kantor in a tough three set match, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals. Daniel Howell beat Z. Wooden 6-3. 6-1 before meeting the number one seed the next round. Pierce Kelley played two tough matches earning valuable tournament experience.
In the girls’ 14s Red draw, Carli Knezevich fought hard to earn a three set victory first round, then rallied to win two more matches to reach the semifinals. Smrithi Hariharan defeated E. Allen 6-2, 6-1, to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. Allie Carlisle beat B. Plata, the number three seed, 6-2, 6-0 to reach the semifinals and log her third win of the tournament.
"Allie had a huge breakthrough this tournament,” coach Brooks said. “I was very proud of her. She executed what we have been working on in practice and had an exceptional attitude. She played the best tennis I have seen her play, and showed that she is definitely ready to do some damage in girls 14s.”
Meghan O’Malley competed hard in two tough matches in her girls’ 12s Red draw, earning useful exposure at her young age.
It was no surprise to the coaching staff when the ATA junior athletes earned three spots in semifinals and a tournament championship while in Plano. Success is not earned the weekend of the tournament, rather in the commitment to preparation that precedes the tournament, and these athletes are a perfect example.
Raymond Traweek ran through his boys’ 16s Red draw, taking the title without surrendering a set. In the finals Traweek faced Christian Kim, where he found his fifth win, 6-1, 6-4. After a first round loss, Garrett Callen bounced back to beat Byron Koonce, the number eight seed, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 and earn a spot in the consolation quarterfinals.
In the boys’ 16s Blue draw, Ryan Burak, the number eight seed, beat Austin Megli 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the round of 16 where he fell to the eventual champion in two tight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
After falling in the first round, Breck Spencer fought to win four matches and claim the consolation championship of his boys’ 14s White draw. In the finals he faced T. Liu, taking the title by a score of 6-0, 6-1.
In the boys’ 14s Blue draw, Greyson Brilliant beat C. Galvin 7-5, 6-0 to earn a spot in the semifinals. Neel Kumar outlasted C. Kantor in a tough three set match, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals. Daniel Howell beat Z. Wooden 6-3. 6-1 before meeting the number one seed the next round. Pierce Kelley played two tough matches earning valuable tournament experience.
In the girls’ 14s Red draw, Carli Knezevich fought hard to earn a three set victory first round, then rallied to win two more matches to reach the semifinals. Smrithi Hariharan defeated E. Allen 6-2, 6-1, to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. Allie Carlisle beat B. Plata, the number three seed, 6-2, 6-0 to reach the semifinals and log her third win of the tournament.
"Allie had a huge breakthrough this tournament,” coach Brooks said. “I was very proud of her. She executed what we have been working on in practice and had an exceptional attitude. She played the best tennis I have seen her play, and showed that she is definitely ready to do some damage in girls 14s.”
Meghan O’Malley competed hard in two tough matches in her girls’ 12s Red draw, earning useful exposure at her young age.
It was no surprise to the coaching staff when the ATA junior athletes earned three spots in semifinals and a tournament championship while in Plano. Success is not earned the weekend of the tournament, rather in the commitment to preparation that precedes the tournament, and these athletes are a perfect example.
ATA hosts the Spenco junior Open
The ATA junior tennis players of all ages competed on their home courts this past weekend, in the Spenco ATA Thanksgiving Junior Open. The tournament welcomed athletes of all levels to come out and contend while earning valuable match experience.
In the boys’ 18s qualified division, Blake Davis darted through the draw, dropping a total of eight games on his way to the championship. The finals faced him against teammate Taylor Shamshiri who defeated Hunter Goertz 6-0, 6-4 in the semifinals. Davis defeated Shamshiri 6-2, 6-0 to take the tournament. Also in the 18s qualified, Charlie Shin won his opening match 6-1, 6-1 to earn a spot in the second round against Chris Dale. The two battled back and fourth for three sets, with Dale ultimately prevailing by a score of 6-3, 0-6, 6-2. After dropping his opening round match, Jonathan Stockdale bounced back to beat B. Naovarat 6-0, 6-2 to claim the consolation crown.
In the girls’ 16s open draw, Brittany Brewster showed she deserved the number two seed by winning three rounds on her way to the finals. She faced Lauren Wilkerson in the semifinals, winning 6-2, 6-2. After a tough opening round loss, Lauren Schulte rebounded to win three matches and earn the consolation championship. Schulte faced Leanne Cantalupo in the consolation finals, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Many ATA representatives made runs to the later rounds in the boys’ 16s SC draw. Josh Hagar, the number five seed, fought to earn four wins and claim the championship. In the finals he faced teammate and number six seed Aaron Chaffee, with Hagar taking the title 6-1, 6-2. Chaffee won three matches to reach the finals, taking down two ATA teammates along the way. In the quarter-finals Chaffee met Ron Steinwedell who beat A. Dial 6-0, 6-4 in his first match. Chaffee won the match 7-5, 6-1. Next he faced Esteban Kaufmann who knocked off the number one seed Michael Garza 6-2, 6-4 in the quarter-finals. Chaffee again prevailed, winning the match 6-1, 6-3. Also in the boys’ 16s SC draw, Elliot Blatt beat Shane Trebisky 6-3, 6-1 before going down to the number three seed. After dropping a close opening round match, Conor O’Rourke racked up three wins on his way to taking the claiming the consolation championship. He beat M. Alda in the finals, winning 7-5, 6-3.
Jaxon Immler won the boys’ 16s NQ draw, earning three victories along the way. He faced Jon Yonge in the finals, taking down the number two seed 6-4, 6-4. James Seward, the number one seed, beat B. Whitten 6-4, 6-4, before falling to Immler in his next match.
In the boys’ 16s Champs draw, Raymond Traweek beat Brian Ong, the three seed, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the semifinals. Garrett Callen beat Will Bartlett 6-4, 6-3 before falling to the number one seed. After dropping his opening round match, Ryan Burak rebounded to win three matches and earn the consolation championship. In the finals he faced Will Burns, winning the match 6-2, 6-2.
Sydney Young won the girls’ 14s Q draw by winning four straight matches without dropping a set. She faces K. Lemond in the finals, winning 6-2, 6-4. Maggie O’Meara, the number one seed, beat Jill Lewis 6-0, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals where she fell to the eventual finalist Lemond. Courtney Schulte won three matches to earn a spot in the semi-finals. In the quarter-finals Schulte faced teammate Allie Burak who had upset six seed J. Weaver in three sets earlier in the day. Burak and Schulte battled to a third set with Schulte winning the match 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. Allie Carlisle earned a spot in the semi finals where she feel to teammate and eventual champion, Young. Carli Knezevich beat S. Stapper 6-0, 6-3 before falling to the number four seed. Smrithi Hariharan faced Y. Astrapova in the consolation quarterfinals, felling to the eventual champion in a close match, 6-4, 7-5.
Mikaela Pope pulled out two tough third sets to earn a spot in the finals of the girls’ 14s NQ draw. She beat G. Yatauro 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the semi finals.
In the boys’ 14s Q draw, Greyson Brilliant beat Matthew Chappell 6-3, 6-1 to reach the second round. Neel Kumar took down Joshua Chacko 6-0, 6-2, also reaching the second round. After both went down in tough first round matches, Andrew Livitan and Breck Spencer found themselves matched up against each other in the consolation quarter finals. Two sets was not enough to decide it, as the match went to a decisive third set tie breaker. Spencer ultimately prevailed by a score of 6-4, 5-7, 10-7. Daniel Howell defeated W. Jezek to reach the consolation semi-finals.
Remi Immler ran through the girls’ 12 NQ draw without dropping a set. In the finals she beat F. Young 6-0, 6-3 to take the title. Allie Young beat Anna Carlson 6-0, 6-2 to reach the quarter finals.
Dylan Ritter won four matches on his way to claiming the championship in the boys’ 12s Q draw. He defeated teammate Jake Berber in the finals, 7-6(4), 6-4. Berber worked for three wins, taking d own two seeds on his way to the finals. Conor O’Meara beat J. Cobb to reach the quarter finals. Ben Smith defeated Austin Vo 6-3, 6-0 to earn a spot in the final eight. Zane Ritter beat Andrew Laylock 6-1, 6-1 to reach the third round. After dropping his first round match, Payton Holden bounced back to earn three wins and take the consolation championship. Sanjit Kumar dropped a hard fought three set match in the quarter finals of consolation to H. Buford 1-6, 7-5, 10-7.
In the boys’ 12s NQ draw, Rahul Gorti, the number two seed, beat J. Parker 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, to reach the quarter finals. Zach Knezevich won three matches on his may to the consolation finals. He beat P. Mannem 6-4, 2-6, 10-7 in the semi finals. Angelo McKinnon, Sanchit Gupta, and Ankith Kandikonda earned valuable match experience while competing in the tournament.
While the ATA coaches and players are typically scattered throughout the state or country at various tournaments, the Spenco ATA Thanksgiving Junior Open offers an opportunity to compete in a high level tournament without all the travel. The hard work and preparation of the ATA representatives was rewarded with successful results from all ages and levels.
In the boys’ 18s qualified division, Blake Davis darted through the draw, dropping a total of eight games on his way to the championship. The finals faced him against teammate Taylor Shamshiri who defeated Hunter Goertz 6-0, 6-4 in the semifinals. Davis defeated Shamshiri 6-2, 6-0 to take the tournament. Also in the 18s qualified, Charlie Shin won his opening match 6-1, 6-1 to earn a spot in the second round against Chris Dale. The two battled back and fourth for three sets, with Dale ultimately prevailing by a score of 6-3, 0-6, 6-2. After dropping his opening round match, Jonathan Stockdale bounced back to beat B. Naovarat 6-0, 6-2 to claim the consolation crown.
In the girls’ 16s open draw, Brittany Brewster showed she deserved the number two seed by winning three rounds on her way to the finals. She faced Lauren Wilkerson in the semifinals, winning 6-2, 6-2. After a tough opening round loss, Lauren Schulte rebounded to win three matches and earn the consolation championship. Schulte faced Leanne Cantalupo in the consolation finals, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Many ATA representatives made runs to the later rounds in the boys’ 16s SC draw. Josh Hagar, the number five seed, fought to earn four wins and claim the championship. In the finals he faced teammate and number six seed Aaron Chaffee, with Hagar taking the title 6-1, 6-2. Chaffee won three matches to reach the finals, taking down two ATA teammates along the way. In the quarter-finals Chaffee met Ron Steinwedell who beat A. Dial 6-0, 6-4 in his first match. Chaffee won the match 7-5, 6-1. Next he faced Esteban Kaufmann who knocked off the number one seed Michael Garza 6-2, 6-4 in the quarter-finals. Chaffee again prevailed, winning the match 6-1, 6-3. Also in the boys’ 16s SC draw, Elliot Blatt beat Shane Trebisky 6-3, 6-1 before going down to the number three seed. After dropping a close opening round match, Conor O’Rourke racked up three wins on his way to taking the claiming the consolation championship. He beat M. Alda in the finals, winning 7-5, 6-3.
Jaxon Immler won the boys’ 16s NQ draw, earning three victories along the way. He faced Jon Yonge in the finals, taking down the number two seed 6-4, 6-4. James Seward, the number one seed, beat B. Whitten 6-4, 6-4, before falling to Immler in his next match.
In the boys’ 16s Champs draw, Raymond Traweek beat Brian Ong, the three seed, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the semifinals. Garrett Callen beat Will Bartlett 6-4, 6-3 before falling to the number one seed. After dropping his opening round match, Ryan Burak rebounded to win three matches and earn the consolation championship. In the finals he faced Will Burns, winning the match 6-2, 6-2.
Sydney Young won the girls’ 14s Q draw by winning four straight matches without dropping a set. She faces K. Lemond in the finals, winning 6-2, 6-4. Maggie O’Meara, the number one seed, beat Jill Lewis 6-0, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals where she fell to the eventual finalist Lemond. Courtney Schulte won three matches to earn a spot in the semi-finals. In the quarter-finals Schulte faced teammate Allie Burak who had upset six seed J. Weaver in three sets earlier in the day. Burak and Schulte battled to a third set with Schulte winning the match 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. Allie Carlisle earned a spot in the semi finals where she feel to teammate and eventual champion, Young. Carli Knezevich beat S. Stapper 6-0, 6-3 before falling to the number four seed. Smrithi Hariharan faced Y. Astrapova in the consolation quarterfinals, felling to the eventual champion in a close match, 6-4, 7-5.
Mikaela Pope pulled out two tough third sets to earn a spot in the finals of the girls’ 14s NQ draw. She beat G. Yatauro 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the semi finals.
In the boys’ 14s Q draw, Greyson Brilliant beat Matthew Chappell 6-3, 6-1 to reach the second round. Neel Kumar took down Joshua Chacko 6-0, 6-2, also reaching the second round. After both went down in tough first round matches, Andrew Livitan and Breck Spencer found themselves matched up against each other in the consolation quarter finals. Two sets was not enough to decide it, as the match went to a decisive third set tie breaker. Spencer ultimately prevailed by a score of 6-4, 5-7, 10-7. Daniel Howell defeated W. Jezek to reach the consolation semi-finals.
Remi Immler ran through the girls’ 12 NQ draw without dropping a set. In the finals she beat F. Young 6-0, 6-3 to take the title. Allie Young beat Anna Carlson 6-0, 6-2 to reach the quarter finals.
Dylan Ritter won four matches on his way to claiming the championship in the boys’ 12s Q draw. He defeated teammate Jake Berber in the finals, 7-6(4), 6-4. Berber worked for three wins, taking d own two seeds on his way to the finals. Conor O’Meara beat J. Cobb to reach the quarter finals. Ben Smith defeated Austin Vo 6-3, 6-0 to earn a spot in the final eight. Zane Ritter beat Andrew Laylock 6-1, 6-1 to reach the third round. After dropping his first round match, Payton Holden bounced back to earn three wins and take the consolation championship. Sanjit Kumar dropped a hard fought three set match in the quarter finals of consolation to H. Buford 1-6, 7-5, 10-7.
In the boys’ 12s NQ draw, Rahul Gorti, the number two seed, beat J. Parker 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4, to reach the quarter finals. Zach Knezevich won three matches on his may to the consolation finals. He beat P. Mannem 6-4, 2-6, 10-7 in the semi finals. Angelo McKinnon, Sanchit Gupta, and Ankith Kandikonda earned valuable match experience while competing in the tournament.
While the ATA coaches and players are typically scattered throughout the state or country at various tournaments, the Spenco ATA Thanksgiving Junior Open offers an opportunity to compete in a high level tournament without all the travel. The hard work and preparation of the ATA representatives was rewarded with successful results from all ages and levels.
12s and 14s travel to Wichita Falls
Austin Tennis Academy’s top 12s and 14s traveled to Wichita Falls this past weekend, where they competed in the Echometer Super Championship Major Zone. Led by coaches Notis, Martinez and Houston, the ATA team went north to test their hard work against the best the state has to offer.
After dropping his first match in the boys’ 12s draw, Matthew Milliken won three rounds to reach the consolation semifinals. He beat A. Pandey 7-6(3), 6-3 in the consolation quarterfinals Conor O’Meara won his first round match 6-4, 6-4 to reach the second round.
“Conor played with great energy and fought hard for a first round win,” coach Notis said.
Jake Berber beat Prince Gbodamosi 6-1, 6-3 in his second match to earn a spot in the third round of consolation.
“Jake played smart and aggressive using his full array of weapons to frustrate his opponents and deal with the wind,” coach Notis said.
Payton Holden faced the tough task of taking on two teammates after falling in his first match. He beat Dylan Ritter 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of consolation, only to advance and face Ben Smith. Payton and Ben battled for three sets with Payton prevailing in the end, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. Zane Ritter earned valuable experience competing in two high-level matches over the weekend.
“Zane showed great progress in his game constructing points and serving well,” coach Notis said.
In the girls’ 12s draw, Maggie O’Meara, the number one seed, won three straight matches without dropping a set. She beat M. Rabson, the number five seed, 6-1, 7-5 to reach the semifinals. Allie Burak battled to beat M. Antohi 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in a tough first round match.
In the girls’ 14s A draw, Brittney Brewster beat A. Dickens 6-2, 6-0 to reach the round of 16. Sydney Young rallied after a tough first round loss to earn four wins and a spot in the consolation finals. Young took down A. Piranian 6-1, 6-2 in the consolation semifinals. Courtney Schulte competed hard in two tough matches on the weekend. Nicole Karaklis won three straight matches after her first round, to earn a place in the consolation semifinals. She beat K. Garland 6-2, 6-2 in the consolation quarterfinals.
The west Texas wind was a challenge for ATA’s 12s and 14s, and they faced it head on.
“It was brutal,” coach Notis said. “Our players did a really good job of dealing with the conditions. They competed hard and had a good attitude about it.”
After dropping his first match in the boys’ 12s draw, Matthew Milliken won three rounds to reach the consolation semifinals. He beat A. Pandey 7-6(3), 6-3 in the consolation quarterfinals Conor O’Meara won his first round match 6-4, 6-4 to reach the second round.
“Conor played with great energy and fought hard for a first round win,” coach Notis said.
Jake Berber beat Prince Gbodamosi 6-1, 6-3 in his second match to earn a spot in the third round of consolation.
“Jake played smart and aggressive using his full array of weapons to frustrate his opponents and deal with the wind,” coach Notis said.
Payton Holden faced the tough task of taking on two teammates after falling in his first match. He beat Dylan Ritter 6-3, 6-2 in the first round of consolation, only to advance and face Ben Smith. Payton and Ben battled for three sets with Payton prevailing in the end, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. Zane Ritter earned valuable experience competing in two high-level matches over the weekend.
“Zane showed great progress in his game constructing points and serving well,” coach Notis said.
In the girls’ 12s draw, Maggie O’Meara, the number one seed, won three straight matches without dropping a set. She beat M. Rabson, the number five seed, 6-1, 7-5 to reach the semifinals. Allie Burak battled to beat M. Antohi 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in a tough first round match.
In the girls’ 14s A draw, Brittney Brewster beat A. Dickens 6-2, 6-0 to reach the round of 16. Sydney Young rallied after a tough first round loss to earn four wins and a spot in the consolation finals. Young took down A. Piranian 6-1, 6-2 in the consolation semifinals. Courtney Schulte competed hard in two tough matches on the weekend. Nicole Karaklis won three straight matches after her first round, to earn a place in the consolation semifinals. She beat K. Garland 6-2, 6-2 in the consolation quarterfinals.
The west Texas wind was a challenge for ATA’s 12s and 14s, and they faced it head on.
“It was brutal,” coach Notis said. “Our players did a really good job of dealing with the conditions. They competed hard and had a good attitude about it.”
My students travel to College Station
The super championship qualified players traveled to College Station to take on the top 16s and 18s players that Texas has to offer. Coaches Newman, Strecker, and Collins accompanied the team to compete in the Bryan College Station Super Champ Major Zone this past weekend.
In the boys’ 18s A draw, Blake Davis battled to beat R. Bader 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the semifinals. There he faced the number five seed W. Oliver, where he logged his second three set win, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3.
“Blake showed great fight and played with great spirit in reaching the finals,” coach Newman said.
Jeff Offerdahl worked for two wins before falling to the number three seed, 6-4, 6-1. He beat S. Griffin 6-2, 6-3 to reach the round of 16. Jonathan Stockdale dropped his first round match before withdrawing with a back injury. Chase Curry won two tough three set matches to reach the round of 16.
In the girls’ 18s B draw, Brooke Hughes battled through two tough matches to earn a spot in the semifinals. Entering as the number four seed, Hughes beat M. Hudson 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 in the quarterfinals to reach the final four.
In his second match in the boys’ 18s B draw, Donny Hackett played Taylor Cooper in two tough sets, ultimately going down 7-6, 6-4.
Claire Cahill beat Brittany Thompson 6-3, 6-1 in her first match in the girls 16s A draw. Next she faced Kelli Hine who got the best of her in a highly competitive match, 6-2, 7-5.
In the girls’ 16s B draw, Kate Cahill earned two tough wins to reach the round of 16 beating Leah Smith 7-5, 6-4 in her second match.
“Kate played inspired tennis,” coach Collins said. “She fought hard for every single point, really earning both of her wins.”
In the boys’ 16s A draw, Chris Dale fought to earn five straight wins and a spot in the finals.
“This was a breakout tournament for Chris,” coach Newman said.
Josh Hagar beat J. Leonik 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 for his second win and spot in the third round, where he faced teammate Dale. Taylor Shamshiri, the number five seed, defeated D. Weiner 2-6, 7-6, 6-1 to reach the round of 16. After a first round loss, Charlie Shin bounced back to earn two wins and a spot in the consolation quarterfinals. He defeated A. Frye 6-2, 7-6 for his second win. Matthew Sparks competed hard in two tough matches on the weekend.
Aaron Chaffee reached the finals of the boys’ 16s B consolation, winning three matches along the way. Esteban Kaufman beat K. Cassady 7-6, 6-4 to reach the round of 32. Conor O’Rourke worked to earn two wins on the weekend and a spot in the round of 16. Rob Steinwedell competed hard in his two matches, playing through the pain of a recent injury.
In order to succeed against this high level of competition, one must first be able to adjust to changing weather. While the freezing fall wind made things tough at times, the ATA juniors played with maturity and poise, earning successful results in College Station despite the less than ideal conditions.
In the boys’ 18s A draw, Blake Davis battled to beat R. Bader 6-7, 6-3, 6-3 to reach the semifinals. There he faced the number five seed W. Oliver, where he logged his second three set win, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3.
“Blake showed great fight and played with great spirit in reaching the finals,” coach Newman said.
Jeff Offerdahl worked for two wins before falling to the number three seed, 6-4, 6-1. He beat S. Griffin 6-2, 6-3 to reach the round of 16. Jonathan Stockdale dropped his first round match before withdrawing with a back injury. Chase Curry won two tough three set matches to reach the round of 16.
In the girls’ 18s B draw, Brooke Hughes battled through two tough matches to earn a spot in the semifinals. Entering as the number four seed, Hughes beat M. Hudson 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 in the quarterfinals to reach the final four.
In his second match in the boys’ 18s B draw, Donny Hackett played Taylor Cooper in two tough sets, ultimately going down 7-6, 6-4.
Claire Cahill beat Brittany Thompson 6-3, 6-1 in her first match in the girls 16s A draw. Next she faced Kelli Hine who got the best of her in a highly competitive match, 6-2, 7-5.
In the girls’ 16s B draw, Kate Cahill earned two tough wins to reach the round of 16 beating Leah Smith 7-5, 6-4 in her second match.
“Kate played inspired tennis,” coach Collins said. “She fought hard for every single point, really earning both of her wins.”
In the boys’ 16s A draw, Chris Dale fought to earn five straight wins and a spot in the finals.
“This was a breakout tournament for Chris,” coach Newman said.
Josh Hagar beat J. Leonik 6-7, 6-1, 6-2 for his second win and spot in the third round, where he faced teammate Dale. Taylor Shamshiri, the number five seed, defeated D. Weiner 2-6, 7-6, 6-1 to reach the round of 16. After a first round loss, Charlie Shin bounced back to earn two wins and a spot in the consolation quarterfinals. He defeated A. Frye 6-2, 7-6 for his second win. Matthew Sparks competed hard in two tough matches on the weekend.
Aaron Chaffee reached the finals of the boys’ 16s B consolation, winning three matches along the way. Esteban Kaufman beat K. Cassady 7-6, 6-4 to reach the round of 32. Conor O’Rourke worked to earn two wins on the weekend and a spot in the round of 16. Rob Steinwedell competed hard in his two matches, playing through the pain of a recent injury.
In order to succeed against this high level of competition, one must first be able to adjust to changing weather. While the freezing fall wind made things tough at times, the ATA juniors played with maturity and poise, earning successful results in College Station despite the less than ideal conditions.
My tennis students compete at National Open tournaments
The hierarchy of USTA junior tennis tournaments is set up to accommodate all levels of athletes. Beginning with regional ZAT tournaments and extending up to international invitational tournaments like the Orange Bowl, the USTA setup integrates those with recreational goals while offering a strict pecking order for players with loftier ambitions. The National Open tournaments are level two national events, the second highest junior events in the United States. This past weekend many of ATA’s junior athletes disbursed across the country to compete in various National Opens, and showcase their hard work against peers with similar intentions in tennis.
Traveling to Irvine, California, Jeff Offerdahl and Chase Curry entered the boys’ 16s singles and teamed up for the boys’ 16s doubles. Curry started strong, earning a tough three set victory first round 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, over M. Alves from CA. Next he faced H. Porutiu, also from CA., taking the match 6-1, 6-1. In the third round Curry faced the nine seed, C. Kipouras, winning 6-2, 6-1 to earn a spot in the final eight. Offerdahl opened the tournament with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over N. Hu from CA. Second round he fell in a tough three-set match, 0-6, 6-4, 6-3 to S. Eswaran from CA.
Mobile, Al. served as host to ATA’s 14s. Brittany Brewster won her opening round match 6-0, 6-2. She then rebounded from a second round loss to win two matches in the back draw while only dropping a collective two games. After dropping her opening round to the nine seed, Sydney Young fell in an epic consolation match, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3, to C. Fruge from Louisiana.
Claire Cahill traveled to Ann Arbor, MI. to compete against the top 16s girls in the country. In her opening match she battled G. Spindler from MI. in a tough three-set match. Spindler took the first set 6-3, but Cahill bounced back to earn the second set 7-5. Spindler ultimately came out on top, taking the decisive set 6-2. Next Cahill faced I. Ng, also from MI. Cahill came out strong, claiming the opening set 6-4. Ng responded however, winning the next two sets 6-2, 6-3.
While the National Open tournaments offer far tougher competition, the experience earned by competing on a national level is immeasurable. The ATA junior athletes who chose to compete in these events have ambitions that reach beyond the borders of the state. By showcasing their skills against the nations best in their age division, they now know exactly what it will take to succeed at this level.
Traveling to Irvine, California, Jeff Offerdahl and Chase Curry entered the boys’ 16s singles and teamed up for the boys’ 16s doubles. Curry started strong, earning a tough three set victory first round 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, over M. Alves from CA. Next he faced H. Porutiu, also from CA., taking the match 6-1, 6-1. In the third round Curry faced the nine seed, C. Kipouras, winning 6-2, 6-1 to earn a spot in the final eight. Offerdahl opened the tournament with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over N. Hu from CA. Second round he fell in a tough three-set match, 0-6, 6-4, 6-3 to S. Eswaran from CA.
Mobile, Al. served as host to ATA’s 14s. Brittany Brewster won her opening round match 6-0, 6-2. She then rebounded from a second round loss to win two matches in the back draw while only dropping a collective two games. After dropping her opening round to the nine seed, Sydney Young fell in an epic consolation match, 5-7, 7-5, 6-3, to C. Fruge from Louisiana.
Claire Cahill traveled to Ann Arbor, MI. to compete against the top 16s girls in the country. In her opening match she battled G. Spindler from MI. in a tough three-set match. Spindler took the first set 6-3, but Cahill bounced back to earn the second set 7-5. Spindler ultimately came out on top, taking the decisive set 6-2. Next Cahill faced I. Ng, also from MI. Cahill came out strong, claiming the opening set 6-4. Ng responded however, winning the next two sets 6-2, 6-3.
While the National Open tournaments offer far tougher competition, the experience earned by competing on a national level is immeasurable. The ATA junior athletes who chose to compete in these events have ambitions that reach beyond the borders of the state. By showcasing their skills against the nations best in their age division, they now know exactly what it will take to succeed at this level.
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